The one on the left is the old one, and the one on the right is the new one. As you can see, the new one is smaller. Also, they've changed the location of the card slot and cable connection:

On the old one, all this stuff was located on the bottom where crap could fly into it, especially since that rubber plug never seemed to want to stay in place. Also, on more than one occasion I'd go to turn off the camera, only to find that the card had ejected itself. This may have had to do with gravity, or else maybe it was because the rubber plug was too close to the card. So presumably that's why they've relocated all the orifices to the side, and it certainly seems like a better arrangement.

Anyway, I've had the new Fly6 for a couple months or so now, but to be perfectly honest I lost it immediately upon receipt. (And when I say immediately, I mean immediately--like, I hadn't even opened the box yet.) Then, a few days ago, I miraculously found it again.

In fact, among the offenses the police allegedly have been ignoring is riding bicycles on the sidewalk, which until now would get you into more trouble than driving your car on the sidewalk and killing somebody. (I wish I was kidding.) This raises the fascinating question:

Does the NYPD hate de Blasio even more than they hate cyclists?

Given this, yesterday afternoon I figured maybe it was finally safe to ride my bike through Central Park, which I've been assiduously avoiding since a Fred on a time trial bike killed a pedestrian there back in September, prompting yet another in a series of police crackdowns. What's more, I had this new Fly6 to try out, and a spin through park seemed like just the thing. Unfortunately, it was only 17 degrees American, according to my dork-tacular wristwatch:

Nevertheless, I figured I might as well squeeze in a ride before the snow showed up the next day--which, according to my watch, was "FRU:"

After which the cold would apparently continue through SAI, and relent only slightly by SUT.

Plus, it's always warmer downtown anyway.

Of course, this is where all the people who live in Minnesota and ride fat bikes go on about how 17 degrees American ain't nothing and they don't even bother putting on knee warmers for that:

To which I say, "Hey, in New York City, 17 degrees passes as 'cold,' just like in Minnesota Garrison Keillor passes for 'culture.'"

It's all relative, you frostbitten rubes.

So I rolled out the old bicycle cycle and strapped on the old ass camera:

Owing to the voluminous saddle bag I didn't have enough seatpost real estate, so instead put it on the seat tube where it nestled in the seatstay crotch:

Not the optimal placement for affording a panoramic view, but better than nothing.

Here I am activating the Fly6 in perhaps the most disturbing image you'll see all month:

Nevertheless, 14 police officers did not leap out of that van and arrest me.

Incredible.

Shortly after that I crossed the bridge onto the island of Manhattan:

Technically you're supposed to dismount your bike and walk over this bridge, which I'll do just as soon as they make drivers get out of their cars and push them across. I can only assume the reason for this rule is that this is a lift bridge, and if you're palping skinny tires you're liable to get caught in the Maw of Death where the roadway opens:

Clearly though the Department of Transportation have not accounted for my awesome bike-handling skills.

Here's the intersection of Seaman and Cumming:

Here's a car with a dead battery, which is how you know it's cold:

Here I am passing the car with the dead battery:

And here's another car with what I'm assuming is also a dead battery:

Either that, or GM cars have reached the next level of killing their operators, and they've moved past the faulty ignition thing and are now simply eating their drivers:

(The dashboard displays a "check engine" light, tricking the driver into doing so, at which point the hood closes and the driver is consumed.)

Next, I dismounted and "portaged" my bicycle up the steps to the Hudson River Greenway:

The rule of thumb in New York City is that you should always avoid the greenway if there's been so much as a hint of snow or ice in the last week, because you've got a better chance of finding a salted margarita in a mosque than a salted bike lane in New York City. For example, you may recall that last year I very nearly froze to death on a vast tundra of brie:

(The ill-fated Fred sled of Sir Ernest Schmuckington)

Furthermore, the other rule of thumb is that you should avoid the Hudson River Greenway when it's cold, unless you like headwinds and river-chilled blasts of air to the face.

Nevertheless, I disregarded both those rules, and instead pressed on in the spirit of journalism:

And sure enough there wasn't a grain of salt to be found:

Though there were some dogs wearing jackets:

As you approach the George Washington Bridge there's a steep section of path, and as I descended I worried I might hit a patch of ice:

Fortunately, despite the complete absence of salt I did not, and then I successfully passed through the tunnel:

And emerged to contemplate the awe-inspiring view that would make this scranus-freezing ride worth it:

("The Specialized Divest lives up to its name when it comes to divesting you of your savings, and the dropper post is ideal for riders who haven't yet mastered the principle of basic saddle height adjustment."--Bicycling)

Incredibly, even with my non-gravel-specific bicycle and primitive rigid seatpost, I managed to negotiate the salt, and soon emerged onto the surface roads, where I circumvented quite an impressive example of tractor-trailer double-parking by the Trader Joe's:

Races in Central Park should be interesting this spring--assuming bike racing in the park hasn't been banned by then.

Quite a few years ago now, when I was but a twenty-something, I worked briefly as the assistant to a filmmaker of some renown. I hated it, mostly because I was not cut out for the world of film, which involves being yelled at 24 hours a day by everybody. The filmmaker's office was near the bottom of Central Park, and sometimes at lunch I used to sneak off and eat lunch by the park loop, where I'd gaze longingly at the Freds who were lucky enough to take leisurely lunchtime spins through this urban landscaping masterpiece. Now, I was one of those Freds on my own leisurely afternoon ride, and as always I thought about this as I passed the very spot where I used to pine:

Sadly, I couldn't appreciate any of it, because I was freezing my gonads off.

In fact, I contemplated another loop of the park, but by the time I reached the bottom of the downhill I was pretty much frozen solid:

So at the top of the park I left it and headed back home via the streets. Here I am getting smoked by a guy on an e-bike:

It turns out you can go home again, though it may take you an hour or so to thaw.

121 comments:

Some motorists have been really annoying lately with the “hurry up wave”, especially when I’m a pedestrian. It is always the same: the 3 quick waves and the impatient look. I never hurry up. In fact I slow down; way down… They keep doing it though, so it must work with other pedestrians, so if you’re one of the people the scurry up for these jerks: could you stop hurrying up for them? Thanx.

The guy with the dogs had a look that said "I can't believe I just spotted the world's most famous bike blogger"Thanks for the visual tour, I'm sure you are still thawing out, so go drink some coco or something.Oh, some good news (sent this to you via twitter), That bishop who killed a cyclist is being charged

Indeed, that section of path that goes from street level by the GW Bridge down to the river is very steep. I can climb it (thanks granny rings!) but descent freaks me out. I don't trust the brakes, crap on the path, peds, other cyclists ... and the presentation near the tunnel (the optics!) are such that you think you will easily ride off the path the jagged rocks below. In actuality, there is no rail and a few foot drop where you will bounce ... then hit the jagged rocks below. I am suprised there isn't more death and Mr. Mayhem there (redundance!).

I like the looks of the Fly 12 full frontal. I'll outfit with the cameras. My strap for my rear Knoglight broke. Planet bike Blinky to the rescue.

... who the fuck am I kidding, I have been living on the subway and "Spress bus for the past I don't know how long.

It does seem almost like beach weather today compared to the last cupla days.

I always wondered who bought those watches... I guess you can't get Casio Calculator watches anymore. If it's any consolation, the guy who misspelled FRU and SAI and SUT is only making $300K a year and getting free fruit and handjobs in his San Francisco tech startup. Probably got raise for spelling outside the box.

Thanks Bryan for posting that update. So nice to hear of the wheels of justice turning as they should. So yeah we now be patient like the attorney said and let it play out. Still not very fair even if the dirtbag spends a decade or two in the poke. She gets to continue living her life no matter how miserable it is.

Now several radical Muslim terrorists dead and soon to be pushing up daisies. And no quiz. This is turning out to be a pretty nice Fruday.

I spent time in Minnesota last winter in sub-zero weather and went to see Garrison Keillor. Alas, I did not ride a fat bike as I do not own one. However, I did drive the car that the bank owns. It is a Subaru of course.

I live a couple blocks from Central Park and have ridden there maybe twice in the past year (although I ride through it everyday to work), instead heading up north for less crowded areas and more scenery (loops around central park can get boring). you seem to be doing the opposite, perhaps I should reconsider the park?

Wow, talk about coincidence. I just happen to be curating a salt specific bike. The frame is made of salted fish and actually gets stronger in colder and saltier conditions. Stay tuned duders, it's just about to drop on the kickstarty thing.

Your assessment of the Fly6 is a wonderful assessment for significant others too. Wonderful to play with, not so great when you buy one.

Anyway.

The v-brakes make me remember my mid-to-late 90s hardtail with parallelogram Shimano XTs. What also made me nostalgic was this "new" offering from Sticky Finger (Stay classy fellas) http://www.sticky-finger.com/

Hurrah! Brake Lever grips! I haven't seen those for 15 years. What's old is new.

Then I saw this http://www.cranktip.com/clipless-racing-pedal/

Yeah, just what i always wanted, a pedal that makes my crankarm feel wobbly.

Seriously, bikes are the new marijuana. A gateway drug to construction (Thanks Denis Leary.)

Happy Friday, stay warm everyone who doesn't live in Florida and California. And to the people who live in Florida and California, well, You'll be dead soon, from either an earthquake or the fact that you're 85 years-old.

You don't need just a gravel approved bike for salt and sand, you need a salt and sand approved bike. It is very similar to a gravel bike, except that the tires are a 32, fenders are mandatory (I see you have that covered, but not with industry approved fenders - sorry warranty), the headtube is taller to give a more upright riding position. The seatpost absolutely has to drop and we even have a sand and salt approved saddle.

I was in Newfoundland and went well out of my way to see Dildo. Just a road with a few houses on either side. But there was a sign that said, "Dildo Days. Fun for the whole family!" Quite a festival. Assume it's BYOD.

Wow, Snobbie, I like pics with the Fly6. I too just returned from my first ride with my totally useless GoPro Hero. Santa had it dropped unexpectedly down my flue on Christmas (did you know Santa is using a fleet of drones to make deliveries now?)I just watched the virgin13 min of a quick short section of singletrack. It looks like a13 mintrack stand.104

This week has been two days of "if it's too damn cold, take the bus," followed by three days of "if it's too damn cold and there's nothing to do at work, just stay home." Finished refurbishing the "free" snow bike (I think it's around $200 in new parts by now) and will take it out for a spin tomorrow if it actually gets into double F digits (right now it's 7F with a windchill of 12 below -- shoveling snow this morning was enough time in the great outdoors for me).

Congratulations to you and that lovely woman that was tricked into marrying you! Yay. The world needs more young cyclists...

When I first moved to Surrey in the the UK, I lived about a mile from a place named Blue Ball Lane. I kid you not.

People pay more than that for a Go Pro, and it doesn't double as a light. Our club's ride leader uses the Fly6, and his videos display speed, power and cadence, so that's a bonus. If you're into that kind of thing...

This video is on the Fly 6 site Mr. Snob linked to. Clearly shows what could (repeat could) happen to a bike rider who runs over sticks.Like how high the bike goes. Also, fender and racks make this sort of thing more likely.

Also, quite surprised at the pregnancy announcement, Eben, as I was admiring not the watch, but rather the impressive wrist muscles you have developed from, how shall we say, "stroking the little Vito..."

Not sure if Snob is announcing a sibling. Judging by the size of that watch I'd say it's circa last child.

Snob, if you would, is the video from the Fly6 of sufficient quality to ID cars/drivers/license plates? It seems pointless to buy one if it's not useful in an accident investigation/lawsuit scenario. I'm guessing you smush the stills for the blog. Seems a useful tool to have along (I tend to ride solo) but not if you can't actually use the video in court.

I rode in the cold coldness with the backlalaclava this afternoon. Had to get outdoors. It was not bad. Had the park trail to myself. Only encountered one phone-absorbed non-road watching motorist. Not bad.

I came for the sponsored quizway and stayed for the boobies. That's America for you.

I am not a robot, but I am slightly intoxicated. (it's almost 10:00 pm where I am at and I am nowhere near my car (I am also not drunkard Episcopalian priest), so I guess that my slightly drunk, non-robot status is okay)

screw this bieksickening crap. too cold. walking to the post office was a little better. even there i had to don my fleecy lined jeans before venturing out. if this isn't cold enough for the polar bears, fuck 'em, they deserve extinguishing.

So David Petraeus gave secrets to his snatch on the side while serving as head of the CIA. And the Justice Dept MAY bring charges. Petraeus denies having given his Peta Todd sized rack and secrets. And so the Lance cycle begins.

When I am presented with an ethically problematic situation I ask myself three questions;What would Jesus do?What would Muhammad do?What would Chuck Norris do?The answer is always the same, like Samson did in the Old Testament, pick up a jaw bone of an ass an slay everyone in sight. Amen

In the arsenal of weapons that we have at our disposal, what weapon would Jesus choose to slay the people that most piss us off. I think the Daisy Cutter ranks right up there with the most holy of death dealers. Amen.

I am Hwa Jurong, a Reputable, Legitimate & an accredited moneyLender. I want to use this medium to inform you that i render reliable beneficiaryassistance as I'll be glad to offer you a loan at 2% interest rate toreliable individuals.

Please write back if interested.Upon Response, you'll be mailed a Loan application form to fill. (No socialsecurity and no credit check, 100% Guaranteed!) I Look forward permitting me tobe of service to you. You can contact me via e-mail: hwa_jurong@yahoo.com.sg or hwajurong12@gmail.comYours Sincerely,

Sponsored Linkway:

About Me

While I love cycling and embrace it in all its forms, I'm also extremely critical. So I present to you my venting for your amusement and betterment. No offense meant to the critiqued. Always keep riding!